How to make a DIY Redd Pirates of the Caribbean costume for Halloween

How I put together my Redd Pirates of the Caribbean costume for this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

One of my favorite parts of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Getting to dress up in costume while in the Magic Kingdom!

Normally adults aren’t allowed to wear costumes in the parks, but the Halloween Party is an exception. I attended the party earlier this month, and I wanted to come up with something fun since I love costumes. I was flying solo this year, so I didn’t need to consider a group costume, couples costumes, or anything like that.

I pondered the bits and pieces already in my closet before coming to what felt like the perfect choice. I had various items from pirate costumes. I would turn them into a Disney version by making my own costume of Redd, from Pirates of the Caribbean!

She’s featured in the auction scene (“We wants the redhead!”). Several years ago she was switched from a pretty lady up for auction as a bride to an actual pirate. Some people love the change, some don’t, but I think she’s pretty awesome. And her outfit is great too, so it seemed like the perfect costume!

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Redd’s pirate outfit

Keeping in mind that I don’t really sew, I knew I was going to try and assemble this costume from different pieces. I used the photo of the animatronic on the ride for reference, as well as some of the images of the character available for meet and greets in Disneyland.

The base of her costume seems to be a long-sleeve pink dress. I opted for a few changes based on what I had and when I was wearing it. Since it was for the Halloween Party in Florida, I chose short sleeves instead. I found a long dress in a very similar color on Amazon.

The other piece that I purchased was a corset to go on top of the dress. I looked at various maroon corsets and corset style tops, and finally settled on this red one. It’s a little more of a vibrant, bright red than what the character wears, but it’s the sort of thing I think I could definitely re-use!

I’ve done a lot of community theater and costume parties, so I had a few other things already that I added here. The main one, which I think gave the costume a lot of oomph, was a crinoline/petticoat underneath.

I also had a maroon skirt/sash from a different pirate costume I had worn in the past, so I added that on top too. You could purchase a skirt that already has that sort of asymmetrical hemline, or you could get a regular shorter skirt and then pin part of it too (I have this skirt in a different color and I wear it to Disney sometimes, so it’s a good option if you want something you’ll reuse!).

Accessories

Of course, accessories are really going to make your costume come to life! I used a thick black belt I already had, though I left out the guns. A pirate hat is important too. I got mine as part of a pirate accessory set. Although Redd’s hat is more of a maroon color, I went with this brown one mostly because it was foldable. I had a lot to bring in my suitcase, after all!

And the quality was much better than I expected. It also came with a pirate necklace that I wore. The last accessory I added was an additional necklace – this one was a burgundy choker which I did purchase to use for this costume. I do think it’s all about the little details!

Shoes are important to consider, especially when you are walking around Magic Kingdom. Luckily Redd wears some pretty practical brown boots! I had a pair already that were close enough – and I knew they were comfortable (plus, they fit my plantar fasciitis inserts).

Hair and Make-up

My hair is naturally a somewhat unusual color. Some have said it’s a shade of red. Regardless, it’s long, curly, and sorta red so I just went with my natural hair. In the photos some of the lighting really does make it look pretty red!

I suppose you could do a wig if you really wanted to. Just keep in mind that although she is “the redhead,” it’s not really like an orange-red (so not Merida style hair!).

Honestly, I didn’t do too much with my make-up. I’m not an expert in that area. I did choose a bright colored lipstick to match the outfit, although the character has a more pale shade herself.

Tips for the perfect Redd Pirates of the Caribbean costume:

• As long as you stick to the color palette of reds, pinks, and maroons, feel free to take some liberties. With the right look and accessories, it will still get the message across!
• Try to use what you have – I think instead of spending money on something that you’ll never use again, you’re better off with an item that might be a slightly different shade or not an identical match.
• If you’re debating all of the accessories, definitely get the hat! I think it really pulls everything together.
• If you want to show off the petticoat like I did, some safety pins and ribbon were very helpful.
• I made a collage/mood board with the colors and different photos of Redd (both as the animatronic and the live character), so feel free to use that as inspiration!